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Thursday, September 30, 2010

and on a side note... the 2 leggeds call this a "pool table". "Pool". Do you see a pool? I know what a pool looks like and I don't see a pool. I see a table with holes... I will take billiards, but pool? Nahhhhh.

Shhhhh I am watching Lacey. I love her more now, since I read this article:

"Usually Lacey Schwimmer kicks off a new season of Dancing With the Stars with a fresh spray tan. But a week before the show’s season nine premiere, Schwimmer couldn’t resist rescuing a two-year-old cream-colored Chihuahua she saw at the Orange Bone shelter in Los Angeles.

"Her name is Madeleine," Schwimmer tells PEOPLE Pets. "The poor thing was abused and not cared for. She needs knee surgery. We call 'Maddy' our little tripod since she can’t use her back left leg. But she’ll have surgery at the end of the month."

Maddy joins Schwimmer’s other pup, an eight-month-old black Chihuahua-pinscher mix named Harlequin, who was rescued earlier this year from the same shelter. After one week together, Mom says her two "kids" are getting along very well.

"Maddy and Harlequin are two peas in a pod. So cute to see!" Schwimmer, 21, says. The harmonious bonding puts the dancer at ease since she has to work so many long hours on the show. "Now I don’t feel guilty going to work and leaving one pup alone because they have each other."

"I asked Mark if it’s ok if I bring the dog(s) to rehearsal one day and he was like ‘yeah, I’ll bring my dog, too,’” Schwimmer says. "And so I asked 'what kind of dog do you have?' And he goes 'an Akita-lab.' I’m like hmmmm, maybe not!”

See more reality stars on PEOPLE Pets:Hills Star Stephanie Pratt's Animal Past: I Had a Rat!Bachelorette Couple Jillian and Ed Plan to Adopt a Rescue DogMonica Rizzo

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

I saw a bunch of two leggeds playing with weird sticks. And ick the smell. Smelled like dead fish.And not the good kind that I like, like crab.... this smelled like the kind I am not fond of, like Spot.In any case, I figured it out. 2 Leggeds without a dog ... play with sticks.... sad, no?

Folks, we did it. Our requests were heard. The DHS announced last month that it would indeed consider shelter dogs for its programs. The announcement was made via a letter to PETA president, Ingrid Newkirk, who also lobbied passionately on behalf of shelter dogs. Usually, however, it takes many, many voices to impel a ship as big as the federal government away from its chosen course, so credit must be shared with all of us who took action. Thank you, thank you for helping to make a difference.

For more information on the breeds and temperaments DHS is looking for, click here. Dogs will undergo rigorous testing to make sure they meet the standards required by the Department. Little do they know, most of these dogs have already succeeded under much harsher conditions.

http://www.silvieon4.com/2010/07/second-class-citizens.htmlAfter some thinking and a minor existential crisis I asked the world to write, call post, fax, anything.... because I felt rescue dogs were being treated like second class citizens. America, WE DID IT!!!!! Only one dubious question... PETA??? Why??? They are not a rescue group! You know who deserves credit for this? RESCUE GROUPS! we wrote, we called, we faxed, we networked! WE DID IT!

I know that in my house we just don't like stuff that comes out of bags, cans, or boxes. Momma has serious trust issues and given the fact that we post so many recalls on dog food and dog products, I can't really blame her.

Now, we do occasionally get raw lamb bones. She makes a big fuss about what kind, where it came from etc etc. And the first few times she was not exactly comfortable with the raw issue. Yes, of course we loved them, but the bones tend to disappear as soon as we get down to actual bone chewing. Evaporation? I don't know? They just vanish.

I am planning on leaving this article out for momma to "find". I think I need for her to internalize it... Grow more comfortable and...maybe we can get those yummy bones more regularly...

Do you get raw bones? Funny thing is, she gives us raw carrots, raw apple... Raw cukes, so what's the difference besides the yummy factor?

Now, assuming we can get momma into raw bone snacking for us, do any of you know how to keep them from "vanishing"? Any and all advice is welcome.

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Yesterday at the Tomato Festival I saw this 4legged pulling a bunch of 2leggeds. Honestly I was confused. At first I thought he was some sort of giant Chinese Crested dog. No I am not dumb.Look at the similarities. And my friend Larry, the Chinese Crested looks very much like the dude pulling the cart, but he is smaller.

Then momma started talking to someone about pony rides and the carriage rides and "miniature horses". Where? That dude? That's a miniature horse? What did they do leave him in the dryer too long? Did they wash him in hot water? I mean, that happened once to one of momma's sweaters. The woman whined for days about the fact that it was supposed to be "IRRETRECISABLE" pre-shrunk or something.

So I went up to the "miniature horse". I said hello. I tried not to be obvious when I sniffed him out. Well, let me tell you... he said... nothing. Not a bark, yep, yelp, grunt, snort, nothing... Either he was clearly a breedist and not into Bichons, or, those weird flaps by his eyes momma called "blinders" kept him from really focusing on moi. In any case, had he actually engaged in a conversation with me, I would have asked him about his job. Looked like a hard job. I barely tolerate my vest and leash, I can't even imagine wearing that whole get up of pulleys, and straps etc. etc. I love my job. I mean who would not want my job? I get to de stress my humans by offering up the belly for rubs. My job is all about the kisses, belly rubs and wags. And while it is not always easy to get the 2leggeds to cooperate, it is a very enjoyable job.

Ohhhhh, I never thought of that!!! JD says that generally you are not allowed to chit chat while you are on duty. So sorry Mr. Horse. I did not realize that ! I do hope I did not interrupt you or disturb you. I guess I admire your sense of concentration and duty.

Hopefully the next time I see you you will be off duty and we can chat. Maybe I can get momma to bring you a treat or something. In any case, you looked very "official".

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Yes, uncle Jack was the lucky one. As soon as we saw him at the Tomato Festival,we went over to greet him .WE represent Tidewater BichonFrise Rescue, and it is a job WE take seriously,and yes... WE attract a lot of attention, and yes, this was a meet and greet...soWE were acting within our scope.

Today the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) is announcing that it has received reports of adverse reactions in dogs receiving the drug Comfortis® (spinosad) concurrently with high, extra-label doses of the drug ivermectin. The clinical signs of these adverse reactions are consistent with ivermectin toxicity.

Comfortis® (spinosad), manufactured by Elanco Animal Health, a division of Eli Lilly and Company, is a monthly oral, chewable tablet used for the prevention and treatment of flea infestations on dogs. Veterinarians who use high, extra-label doses of ivermectin to treat dogs with non-responsive demodectic mange and other conditions should be aware that some dogs have developed signs of ivermectin toxicity when ivermectin is used concurrently with Comfortis® (spinosad).

CVM and Elanco Animal Health are advising veterinarians that dogs receiving extra-label doses of ivermectin should not receive concurrent treatment with Comfortis® (spinosad).

CVM is working with Elanco Animal Health as they address this issue. Additional information regarding this safety warning can be obtained on the Elanco Animal Health website.

Lilly Companion Animal Health Technical Bulletin: Spinosad and the Extra-Label Use of High Dose Ivermectin for the Treatment of Generalized Demodicosis in Dogs.

-Additional Information

* Spinosad and the Extra-Label Use of High Dose Ivermectin for the Treatment of Generalized Demodicosis in Dogs Exit Disclaimer

The Jason Debus Heigl Foundation Launches The Compassion Revolution to Directly Address the Pet Overpopulation Crisis. Katherine Heigl and the Foundation Unveil Key Elements of the Program

Los Angeles, CA, Thursday, September 23, 2010… In a press conference held today at the Four Seasons Hotel, Katherine Heigl, accompanied by the Jason Debus Heigl Foundation Board, kicked off a major companion pet initiative - The Compassion Revolution. Its broad mission is to unite diverse groups and individuals under one alliance to initiate programs that will directly address the pet overpopulation crisis in the area, and to set a precedent for similar programs across the country. To kick off the Compassion Revolution, today the Heigl Foundation announced a $1 million pledge for spay/neuter and supporting programs in the City and County of Los Angeles and neighboring communities.

This should be an inspiration to all of you out there, DO SOMETHING!!!! CARRY THE MESSAGE FORWARD!!!! COMPASSION, DIGNITY, FREEDOM FROM HUNGER AND PAIN.

Friday, September 24, 2010

Dearest Twinkie,In reference to your contest commemorating National Dog Week, please find my own picture of my fab tongue as I engaged in a tongue lashing when my siblings, The Wendy and JD just kept crowding me. I do believe that this picture was taken as I yelled :"Back off".

Despite the crazy eyes, I do believe it shows off my tongue, so you may consider this my submission.

Sincerely'vie

hmmm so maybe this Sukkot holiday has something to do with National Dog week??? Why am I always the last to know????

Yes daddy. I will be a good girl.Ok daddy. No cutting in front of JD!Ok daddy. No jumping on the Wendy. [Wendy knows I am just playing!!!! Why does it bother you???]Ok daddy. No wrapping my leash around your legs, but really do you know how funny you look when you try and unwrap it?Ok daddy, no licking strange things.Ok. daddy I will not pull , tug or snag the leash.Ok. daddy, no going ahead of you.Ok. daddy... OK can we go now??Fine, you want a kiss after this lecture? Whatever.... I just want to go, how humiliating!

I was listening to my two leggeds talking about the usual nonsense.. ie the economy and politics and whatever... [I tune them out - best naps can happen at this time. You don't have to wonder where they are because they are in the same room yapping, there is usually no food, so no point in staying awake and their voices tend to have the same rhythm, so.... nap time is the perfect out to sure boredom.] The one discussion that caught my attention was a discussion about dinner. Apparently today is some sort of Holiday. Mh. Holiday= food. Where is it being prepared???? What is it???Wait a minute... the last "holiday" was a starving one. I did not see or smell food for hours and hours and hours... I am still wondering why that was called a "holiday". Two leggeds... Ever want to decipher them? Really we need a manual or something. The Calendar is no help. It just gives names... and who knows what they mean. Sukkot. What is that?

In any case, I think this is a food holiday. I have no early indicators, but ..... I am hoping! I will keep you posted. My nose is on alert. And for good measure I barely touched by breakfast.I want room in my belly for holiday food.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Danielle Ng TallonI have been google Bichon's images for many times, Yes! Silvie Goldstein is the best looking Bichon I has seen on the cyber net (havent seen 1 like this for real too!

I am blushing here. But I am grateful for the compliment. Danielle, I am a Tidewater Bichon Frise Rescue Bichon and I swear we are by far the best looking Bichons on the planet. I think it is because auntie Robin, uncle Jack and our pawrents are into great nutrition and healthy living. My outsides match my insides!

In their ongoing quest for ultimate control over the "uncontrollable" yard and garden, my two leggeds spend lots of dirty paper on stuff. In the spring they are "planting" and mulching and bug controlling, and hoses and all kinds of useless stuff I am not even allowed to sniff.

It is almost forgivable. We did get lots of flowers, but then I WAS NOT allowed to taste, roll into or otherwise rub myself on the flowers. So what was the point?

Then summer came and more garden stuff. Please note that the grape arbor produced grapes and that the bushy tailed rats once again got all of them.... So one must ask again....what was the point?

I enjoyed the stuffed zucchini flowers, I did enjoy the stuff momma picked and put on the chicken and lamb, but.... was all that effort worth it? I dunno. I think all that time could have been invested in belly rubs... and all that dirty paper could have bought me some serious chewies...

And now we are back at the garden place. I have no idea why. But I do know that I am not sharing this cart with any bag of anything smelly. Seriously. I just got groomed. And I have a busy weekend ahead of me. The Neptune Festival, The Neptune Festival... seriously. I have a social calendar, you know.

My advice as far as the yard is.... 1. accept mother nature. 2. find the beauty in things as they are. Some weeds are beautiful. OHHHH Yea. kill the stuff that makes me itch. You should do that. The rest of it 3. leave it alone!!!! That's just my take.

Monday, September 20, 2010

7 a.m. to 5 p.m. - German Shepherd Dog Club of Eastern VA will hold an American Kennel Club (AKC) Variable Surface Tracking Seminar throughout Cape Charles daily with Vincent Ramirez, AKC Tracking Judge and three-time Champion Tracker. Working dog teams registration cost is $175, cost for auditors is $100. Pre-registration required. The public is welcome to watch as we track throughout the town. For more information, visit http://www.gsdceva.com/ or contact Marita Patterson via email at maritapatterson@yahoo.com or call at 695-0066.

In addition, the Tidewater Bichon Frise Rescue will host a 'Meet the Bichon’ day, next to the Cape Charles Coffee House. These dogs are friendly little balls of fluff looking for a forever home. Call Judi McCoy for more information at 331-1772.

The National Greyhound Adoption Program will also be in attendance, with information about their programs and adoptions. Call Lee Peirson at 331-2622 for more information.

This is gorgeous Kip. He is up for adoption. I tell you, the best looking Bichons come from Tidewater Bichon Rescue and from White Dog Cottage!!! He is a very nice little boy and I am so hoping he gets adopted near me!!

I am confused, why would free nail and ears grooming be a GOOD thing???? Leave me alone!!I just got my spa day!

I am pooped. Home please, but before we go...

Liver me!!! Liver Slivers all around please....

I think I need to call those guys from Pimp my Ride, I have a few modifications I want done on my "Carrriiiaaageee"...

Friday, September 17, 2010

We Bichons are in a unique position. We witness all the good and bad that goes on in our family. Aside from discussing it with each other and occasionally at the Bash or Bark in the Park with other dogs, we generally are great secret keepers. We shoulder that burden because we love our two leggeds. BUT, some secrets, like champagne bubbles, eventually come to the surface.

Momma's friends know her very well. Apparently her secret is OUT. Yes, momma is a shoaholic. We are not talking casual shoe dabbler here. We are talking hard core addiction. We are talking cataloging her "shoe Bible" which she takes with her [now electronically... thank you ] on her shopping trips.

Only a real addict would lust for the Louboutin 2007 Anemone Verte or for the 2008 Very Noeud Rouge, or for a vintage Maud Frizon 1980 suede pump with a crossover strap in azur... or a 1950 gold T strap Vivos sandal.... or a 1924 d'Orsay....When momma whispers a name in her sleep, it is likely to be Stuart Weitzman or or Manolo... or Brian Atwood... or Ferragamo... if she is whispering it in her sleep, it makes shoes. That 's a safe bet. Like is said. Maybe calling it an addiction is to trivialize what it is. It is more like an obsession.

I am almost afraid to measure it against her love for all Bichons. Would we measure up? Ask momma where she wants her ashes sprinkled and she will answer " Joined with the ashes of all my departed Bichons over the Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto, Canada.

Well I am safe. I don't have a passport.

But ponder this. The woman only has the 2 feet. It would have been so much worst had she been blessed with 4 feet... and since she has itty bitty feet for a human, who will be wearing her shoes after she gets sprinkled over Bata? I have a solution! Put a sign over her closet that readsMini Bata- Chesapeake and charge admission! All funds earned could go to rescue!

Daddy, you should know... you can't take a visual count only. Those shoe boxes... some hold multiple pairs...

There, it's all out in the open now. Auntie Darlene, thank you for the apron. She has been dancing around the house wearing it. And thank you for the opportunity you gave me to unburden myself of this secret.

Monday, September 13, 2010

Farewell my friend, the coolest fashionista and trend setter I have ever known.I am sad. I am angry, I am very very much in pain. I have just found out that my friend Reagan who has been sick has crossed over the Rainbow Bridge.

This loss is personal. Reagan was my friend. Reagan was my neighbor, Reagan, like me was a White Dog Cottage alumnae. This hurts. I hurt for Reagan, I hurt for her momma, auntie Mary Ella who absolutely adored Reagan. I hurt for the world because it has lost a wonderful sweet soul who endeared herself to all who were lucky enough to cross her path. I hurt for me. I lost my friend.

I want to ask Rudy, Kirby, Oliver and Daisy and all of our friends who have crossed over to please welcome our Reagan. I know her grandpa will be there waiting for her. I want to ask them all to reassure Reagan that we are all going to be here for auntie Mary Ella. She does not need to worry about her.

Reagan you were loved unconditionally. Your presence on this earth made things better and you taught by example. I looked up to you. We all did. Even Wendy who believed you did not know the meaning of the word fear. You managed to exude dignity even when you wore your Halloween costume.

I learned to eat carrots because momma would say: "Reagan eats carrots and Reagan is smart". You leave big paw prints to fill.

You are now out of pain, and while we are all crying and upset and grieving, you also leave us with wonderful, joyful memories which we treasure and share and binds us together.

I still remember when momma recognized you from your picture, but she had no idea who your momma was... and yes your momma was in the same picture! I remember watching you eat veggies and sitting with you under the table during the book sale, and Bark in the Park and running into you on our walks.

Auntie Robin and uncle Jack, the entire Tidewater Bichon Frise Rescue family, my family and Dr Klemm, all of us are missing you and all of us are grieving with your momma. Reagan, do me a favor? Please watch over us. Please surround your momma with white light and strength and guide her soul so she can start healing from losing you. You were her first dog and you taught her well. Be proud.

Thank you Reagan for having shared your life with all of us.

Be at peace, out of pain, into joy and into the light. Yes, grandpa now can spoil you rotten.

After 10 years of practicing traditional medicine in my veterinary practice, I slowly discovered that health was not to be found in my drug cabinet or inside the many bags of prescription diets stacked on the shelves in my hospital. As a natural health nut myself, making the change to recommending more natural diets to my patients was just a matter of time, or should I say just a matter of Rose, my new white Boxer puppy.

So it all began when my beautiful new pup began to challenge my veterinary skills to put an end to her diarrhea.

When switching her to a prescription diet failed to bring us relief, out came the medication. The pills did seem to help, but stopping them always guaranteed another episode of misery for both of us. I became even more concerned when she failed to show the proper weight gain for her age and medical diagnoses like Boxer colitis and inflammatory bowel disease started me thinking of her more like a new patient than my beloved canine pal.

Fortunately, my intuition started kicking in and I noticed that Rose was always a lot more interested in whatever I was eating and often had to be coaxed to eat whatever I was pouring into her bowl. Unable to resist the stare of her dark brown eyes, I soon started giving her real chicken, also known as "people food." Seeing how happy she was to be my new dinner guest was enough of a reward to make me challenge the number one sin of pet owners; Don't feed your dog people food!

Soon Rose began to refuse the kibble (the sign of a very smart dog) and wait for our dinner hour together. Not only did her bowel problem resolve itself, but she started gaining weight. I was thrilled to cancel further medical tests I had scheduled, discard medications, and donate open bags and cans of dog food.

So, what is so bad about feeding dogs people food? Nothing! If you know how to eat a healthy, well balanced diet you can apply that same principle to feeding your dog. Only the ratio of meat to carbohydrates and size proportions will change. The problem is in thinking that dogs need to eat differently than we do and that all their nutritional needs can be scientifically formulated and packaged into neat little bags. No freshness, no variety and no taste. Does that sound like good nutrition?

Worse yet is that pet food manufacturers are allowed to buy meat and grains that are rejected by the U.S.D.A. for human consumption. Our government has protected us from eating harmful foodstuffs, but the same protection does not apply to our pets! It is time we invite our hungry hounds back into our kitchens. If you can boil water, you can become a dog chef too! See the simple feeding guidelines below and start cooking for your hungry hound too!

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Just so you know

It took me a while to find a nice home. Not all humans are as nice as my family. Now that I've found them (and worked so hard to train them), I'm keeping them. Forever. So paws off!

TBFR's cookbook, now available!!!

Recipes to the Rescue!The recipes are easy, fun, use easily accessible ingredients and the dogs love them!60 pages, there is also a section on practical helps such as making "Flea Tea" and gentle dog shampoo.

$10 plus $2.50 shipping.

and you can get one here: Bichon Boutique100% of all proceeds go to rescue.